Who Was Kentucky Head Coach Before John Calipari?

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Kentucky coach Billy Gillispie shouts to a referee during NCAA college basketball play against Florida in Gainesville, Fla., Saturday, March, 7, 2009. Florida defeated Kentucky 60-53. (AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)
(AP Photo/Phil Sandlin)
BetMGM Staff @BETMGM Feb 11, 2023, 9:48 PM

Before John Calipari, Billy Gillispie was the head coach of the Kentucky men’s basketball team.

Gillispie became Kentucky head coach in 2007 after spending a few years at Texas A&M. He lasted just 67 games in the role, winning 40 of them and missing the NCAA Tournament in 2009. It was the Wildcats’ first missed tourney in 28 years.

Who’s the Winningest Kentucky Head Coach?

Adolph Rupp has the most wins in Kentucky history. He won 876 games from 1930-72, including six national championships.

As one of the NCAA’s most storied basketball programs, Kentucky’s prowess dates back to the 1940s. The Wildcats won their first tournament title in 1948, repeated in 1949, and since have won six more. In addition to their eight national championships, the team has made 17 Final Four appearances, 42 Sweet Sixteen appearances, and 59 tournament appearances.

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Our BetMGM authors are sports experts, with a wealth of knowledge of the sports betting industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news across players, teams and coaches, providing betting previews and predictions, fun facts and more.

Our BetMGM authors are sports experts, with a wealth of knowledge of the sports betting industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news across players, teams and coaches, providing betting previews and predictions, fun facts and more.